by turns

This past weekend

This weekend was so good on so many levels.

Like Suzanne said we got to spend some quality time together away from the house. We felt so free for that time. It was only 20 minutes, but so rejuvinating, both individually and as a couple.

I also got to go to a wonderful young adults conference this past weekend. I was there by myself. It was the first time since our little family has grown that I've attended a conference by myself, and wasn't partially distracted, wondering how little Amia was doing, who she was with, what she might be getting into. There were so many wonderful people there and it was great to be able to focus on them and really be there.

I also had the opportunity to present Saturday morning. I'd been nervous about it all week once I learned that there would be upwards of 100 people, and several very prominent people in the audience that I really admire. I kept thinking about it, and finally what changed my attitude was when I thought to myself, about 15 minutes before starting, the National Spiritual Assembly loves me, and they want me to do well. I owe it to everyone to do my best. That almost completely did away with my nervousness. I took the podium and had a great time! It was so fun to share all these ideas with people, things I'd been thinking about for some time, things that changed my life for the better in many ways.

Here is the presentation that I gave: My Seven Valleys Powerpoint

Now: sleep.

Papa

Hey! My final paper of the semester is done! It felt so good. Here it is uncut Final paper

Presentation!

There's a really fun group here. We got started late last night because there were only 4 of us until 9. Then Katie and Sam arrived, then a carload from Cleveland! There's more coming today. I'm really looking forward to this.
Attached is my Powerpoint presentation that I'm giving today. It's on elements of my spiritual lens through which I try to see the world and make sense of all that's going on.
More later! Spiritual lens presentation

YOU'D BE CRYING TOO IF YOUR LIFE WAS IN THE HANDS OF A PIRATE

Amia doesn't usually cry, but it's really cute sometimes when she does. It used to be immediate. If she wasn't happy or having her needs all of a sudden you'd have a loud little customer on your hands and you'd be looking for the nearest mom. Now she gives a little warning, usually a face (like in the second picture), then some uncomfortable type noises, then the full on crying if you haven't figured out what she's trying to tell you. And Amia has very specific ways she likes to be held. Should you find yourself carrying this increasingly heavy little load we'll give you tips on what she's trying to communicate so you don't find yourself in the same situation as Dread Pirate Rachel.

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I found myself a job today. I think. It seems like that anyway. I called the bus company and it turns out they've given my position to another. A little ticked over the misunderstanding I continued on my way to class. Going past Qdoba (kinda like Chipotle...actually just like Chipotle except in name) I saw they were hiring delivery drivers. I went in, filled out the app, talked to the manager, and walked out with a job. Pretty sure anyway. I go in Friday at 2 to fill out paperwork. And I'll be there well before 2 this time.
Just a part time job that should bring in ok money. A little disappointing to not be using the stuff I've been learning the past couple years, but it fits my schedule this semester.

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Attached is my cosmopolitanism paper! All 32 pages worth. What I basically did is look at the development of cosmopolitan (or world citizenship) thought throughout history, look at contemporary versions of it, then see what Baha'i thought has to offer. I just emailed it to my professor and hopefully it's up to par. Enjoy!
My cosmopolitanism paper